VA makes changes in abandoned vehicle laws

VA makes changes in abandoned vehicle laws

An adjustment in Virginia’s abandoned motor vehicle law, recently signed by Governor McDonnell, means automobile dealers will have to change the process by which they remove, auction, re-title or demolish a vehicle that is not retrieved by the owner.

The new law passed by the General Assembly says a vehicle is NOT considered abandoned if it is left unclaimed under these circumstances:

In a self-storage unit; in a garage for more than 10 days; or for more than 10 days beyond the period the motor vehicle was to remain on the property, pursuant to contract.

Accordingly, Virginia dealers may no longer use DMV’s online abandoned motor vehicle process to remove the vehicle, but instead, must use the Mechanic’s and Storage Lien process by filling out DMV’s form VSA 41, available at www.dmvNOW.com